L'Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, a contemporary palace, witness to the great events of history

A residential palace in the heart of one of the world's most famous landmarks. On the Place de la Concorde, at number 10, the Hôtel de Crillon is a haven of peace for those who wish to remain discreet. But behind its apparent tranquility lies a rich history, beginning as early as the XVIIIᵉ century.

Royal address

Built in 1758, the building came into being as a symbol of Louis XV's power. The king commissioned the renowned Ange-Jacques Gabriel, architect of certain areas of the Château de Versailles. Designed to accommodate high-ranking personalities, delegations and royal families, the building became the property of the Crillon family in 1788.

A phrase engraved to the right of the entrance to the Winter Garden refers to this enduring link between the Crillons and the aristocracy: " Hang yourself, brave Crillon, we fought at Arques, and you weren't there. "Hotel manager Cédric Waterkeyn explains: "The quote may seem violent, but it was a little joke between friends. It's an extract from a letter sent by King Henri IV to his comrade-in-arms, Duke Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon. The latter had been wounded and unable to join him on the battlefield. Both lived at the same time and got along very well, in addition to fighting together."

The memory of illustrious figures is preserved within the walls of the palace. It is said that Marie-Antoinette took piano lessons here. Between 1789 and 1792, the Queen was a regular visitor when her residence was at the Tuileries, just a stone's throw away. A suite and salon now bear her name.

reto Guntli

Witness to modern history

In 1909, architect Walter-André Destailleur transformed the building into a luxury hotel. The second-floor chapel, built at the request of the Duc de Crillon's wife to commemorate him, became the "Duc de Crillon" suite. Ten years later, the Salon des Aigles hosted the signing of the League of Nations pact, predecessor of the UN. During the recent renovation, architect and artistic director Aline Asmar d'Amman used the ink used to sign the treaty on the curtains.
During the Second World War, the hotel was requisitioned by the Germans.

Renowned address

In the 1930s, and again in the 1950s, Charlie Chaplin stayed at the Crillon, contributing to the legend of the palace that attracted the greatest figures of his time. In the same decade, the hotel also became a fashion mecca, hosting prestigious fashion shows. It was also on the 6ᵉ floor that Leonard Bernstein composed part of West Side Story in a suite that would henceforth bear his name.

In 1998, the French soccer team celebrated its World Cup victory from the balconies. More recently, guests enjoy a privileged place to watch the Olympic events in the Place de la Concorde urban park. At the end of August 2024, the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games will also be hosted here.

Over the decades, the Crillon has remained a privileged witness to major French events, blending art, culture and elegance.

reto Guntli

Contemporary renaissance

Owned by the Rosewood Hotels Group, the Hôtel de Crillon underwent major renovations between 2013 and 2017. With 10 signature suites and 124 rooms (compared with 147 previously), spaces have been redesigned and enlarged, while preserving traces of the past. The façade and many of the walls are listed as historic monuments. Some of the furniture is being installed " without touching the walls, so as not to damage anything ", explains Cédric Waterkeyn.

at the dawn of this work, Aline Asmar d'Amman wrote a handwritten letter to Karl Lagerfeld, proposing that he design the "Grands Appartements Présidentiels" on the 4thᵉ floor. The couturier accepted. The suites, with their impressive ceilings, become veritable works of art: hidden bookcases for the dressing room, Versailles fountains transformed into washbasins, Italian marble bathtubs and gold-printed photos in some bathrooms.

reto Guntli

In 2017, after four years of refurbishment, one ambition endures from the inauguration: the desire "thatthere be a spirit that makes us feel at home", adds the hotel manager.

Paul Pairet's restaurant, Nonos & Comestibles, is part of this spirit. The former is " a French-style grill with a relaxed atmosphere and a very eclectic playlist, managed by the chef himself ", emphasizes Cédric Waterkeyn.

amaury Laparra

Discretion and personalized service

Confidentiality is extreme: "With George Clooney, for example, or others, not even the directors are aware of their presence," reveals Cédric Waterkeyn, former head butler. "It's the service that makes the difference and makes this place magical, with our almost 500 employees. The butlers are the customer's personal assistants."

The main entrance is at Place de la Concorde, while a more intimate door along Rue Boissy d'Anglas gives access to the spa and patisserie, designed like a jewel case. In the suites, different floor levels signal the changing worlds between modern and classic rooms: "There are different moods in the same suite. We please everyone, because there's something for every taste."

reto Guntli - Lauren Luxenberg

Every detail has been thought through. In the Winter Garden, a Baccarat liqueur cellar in the shape of an elephant inspired the Benny cuddly toy. at the entrance to the palace, the legendary Citroën DS, designed by Tristan Auer, serves as a "courtesy car" to drop off guests at the restaurants.

Mostly American visitors, guests discover the France of yesteryear with modern touches. contemporary artwork and humorous details punctuate the establishment's corridors, offering a unique experience between history and contemporary design.